Md. Raihanul Islam

A courageous young man from the remote regions of Bangladesh, Md. Raihanul Islam was born in November 1990 in a middle-class family in the village of Munshipara, Ulipur Thana, Kurigram District. On the 21st of that month, he was welcomed into the world by his parents, Mr. Abdur Rashid and Rahena Begum. His father was a harvest collector, and his mother was a homemaker. In addition to his primary occupation, his father earned some extra income by renting out two rooms. Although the family did not live in luxury, they managed to maintain a modest and stable life.
This profile provides a brief overview of Martyr Md. Raihanul Islam's personal details, family background, and the circumstances surrounding his martyrdom.
Career and Contributions
After securing a job at a company, Raihanul Islam's life took a positive turn. He worked as an Assistant Manager at Sterling Stock and Securities Limited. Having joined the company only 5-6 months earlier, he sent 10,000 Taka to his parents from his monthly salary. This financial support brought immense joy to his parents, who were overwhelmed with happiness. However, this happiness was short-lived, as his untimely death left his family devastated. His wife and five-month-old daughter are now left without him, unable to call anyone else as 'father.'
Martyrdom
Md. Raihanul Islam was serving as a manager at a company during the nationwide student movement against discrimination, known as the quota reform movement. The movement began peacefully in the first week of July and spread across the country. Students took to the streets to demand their rights, but the government did not take any action. Instead, they mocked the students and directed them to the High Court. On the 14th, students submitted a memorandum to the President, giving a 24-hour ultimatum. The President did not take any action. On the 15th, students across the country called for programs. In Dhaka, students gathered in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture. Around 3:30 PM, students marched towards Shahbagh.
Under the direction of Obaidul Quader, Chhatra League and Tokai League terrorist groups attacked with heavy weapons. Many women were injured, and even in the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College, Chhatra League terrorists tortured injured students. In protest against this inhuman torture, on the 16th, students and the public held protest rallies across the country. The police administration fired rubber bullets, tear gas, grenades, and live ammunition at the students. Talented student Abu Sayeed from Rangpur University was martyred by police gunfire. This incident shook the hearts of every person. A nationwide blockade program was announced. Many people died due to attacks by the government's instigated forces. The death toll continued to rise. The student movement had now transformed into a movement of students and the public. On the 19th, with a complete shutdown, students and the public took to the streets. That day was Friday.
Md. Raihanul Islam lived in a rented house on Badda Link Road in Dhaka. He worked as an Assistant Manager at Sterling Stock and Securities Limited. His office was in Motijheel, so he lived near Badda Link Road. Whenever possible, he participated in the student-public movement. On July 19, after performing Jumu'ah prayers, he, along with a friend, participated in the student movement against discrimination. At around 1:45 PM, the terrorist police fired at the students and the public. A bullet struck his right eye, entering the front of his head and exiting from the back. Due to the heavy gunfire, he lay on the road for some time. The black asphalt road had turned red. After some time, a pedestrian and a friend from the procession rescued him and took him to the hospital. However, he passed away before reaching the hospital. His wife was informed of the news over the phone and was devastated. The family, relatives, and friends mourned his loss. The son of the family was taken away from this world by the Awami police force.
Statements from Relatives and Friends
Md. Raihanul Islam's maternal grandfather mentioned that Raihan was a very sociable and amiable person. Nineteen days before his martyrdom, he had visited home. His mother had cooked three types of fish and fed him. Before leaving after his three-day leave, his mother packed a box with five types of vegetables for him to eat in Dhaka. However, he left this world before finishing the vegetables.
His mother, Rahena Begum, tearfully said that her son had given his daughter an Islamic name so that on the Day of Judgment, when called by name, they could be present together.
Family Situation
Shaheed Md. Raihanul Islam was the only child in his family. He had no siblings.
Shaheed’s Personal Life at a Glance
Name: Md. Raihanul Islam
Date of Birth: November 26, 1990
Religion: Islam
Profession: Company Employee
Organization: Sterling Stock and Securities Limited
Designation: Assistant Manager
Father's Name, Age, Occupation: Abdur Rashid, 59, Collector
Mother's Name, Age, Occupation: Rahena Begum, 51, Homemaker
Family Members: 4
Daughter: Rafanaj Binte Raihan Rawaiza, Age: 5 months
Permanent Address: Village: Munshipara, Union: Ulipur, Thana: Ulipur, District: Kurigram
Current Address: Badda Link Road, Thana: Badda, District: Dhaka
Incident Location: Link Road, Badda, Dhaka
Perpetrator: Police
Time of Injury: July 19, 2024, 1:45 PM
Time and Place of Death: July 19, 2024, Link Road, Badda, Dhaka